The Promise: God's Purpose and Plan for When Life Hurts (Paperback)

Description

In his work as a priest and commentator for FOX News, Father Jonathan Morris has traveled to the troubled spots of the world, meeting with Muslim youth during the rioting in Paris, sitting down with populists at odds with the Church in Venezuela, and investigating human trafficking in Germany. Now Father Jonathan peels back the layers of questions that arise when someone asks, "Why me?" in response to human suffering. With an accessible voice and calming pastoral guidance, Father Jonathan leads readers through each step of suffering—from doubt and anger to healing and acceptance.

The Promise comprises three parts, each addressing a step in the process of healing. Part 1, "God on Trial," speaks to doubts and anger that arise when we suffer and poses tough questions such as "Does God even care?" and "Why should we trust a God who allows innocent suffering?" Part 2 takes the reader on a journey of finding emotional and spiritual healing from suffering. In part 3 Father Jonathan introduces the five "Principles for Freedom-Living." From living your personal vocation to a step-by-step guide for sketching a plan for your spiritual life, the freedom principles are practical and easily applied to everyday life. Together these five principles have the power to transform what would otherwise be useless suffering into a means of great sanctification and personal fulfillment. While pulling back the layers of philosophy and theology that surround human suffering, Father Jonathan offers not only a deeply spiritual answer but also a practical one to this most fundamental of human questions: Why do we suffer?

The Promise not only addresses how to understand and live with suffering, but also poses the toughest question regarding our relationship to God: Why do we suffer under a benevolent God? Father Jonathan delves into how we can heal from the spiritual, emotional, and even physical scars left behind by suffering. The Promise offers five principles for living a free life, or a life free of the fear that God is not there for us, and offers comfort and hope to those experiencing hard times.

About the Author

Father Jonathan Morris serves as news analyst for the Fox News channel and as parochial vicar at the historic Saint Patricks Old Cathedral in New York City. Father Jonathan is the author of The Promise: Gods Purpose and Plan for When Life Hurts.

Praise for The Promise: God's Purpose and Plan for When Life Hurts…

“A persuasive invitation to a fuller life.” -Rev. Richard John Neuhaus, Editor in Chief, First Things

“Father Jonathan has allowed the reader entrance into his private study where he welcomes and converses with us on a personal yet riveting journey. His spiritual insight is profound!” -Sharon Deitrick, President of The Halo Foundation

“With true compassion Father Jonathan Morris tackles a reality we will all confront sooner or later...His specific advice shows all of us how to turn tragedy and pain into spiritual gifts that can actually heal us in unexpected ways. Here’s a Promise worth keeping, and sharing with others.” -Raymond Arroyo, Author of the New York Times Bestseller, Mother Angelica

“Easy to understand, with stories that everybody can identify with, The Promise left me with a better understanding of God’s way, when life hurts. I’ve already given a copy to someone who is suffering a personal challenge...” -Steve Doocy, Author of The Mr & Mrs Happy Handbook, and host of FOX & Friends, FOX News Channel

“...Pope John Paul II spoke often and eloquently about the meaning of suffering. Father Morris has written a wonderful sequel to the Holy Father’s thoughts, but from a very different perspective: that of a young priest; a man of energy, insight, world experience and engaging popular style.” -Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Denver

“The Promise will be for the book world what The Passion was for film--a watershed moment of inspired creativity capable of transforming lives from the inside out. Don’t believe me? Ask my wife, she read it too and is already passing it on to family and friends.” -Steve McEveety, producer of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ

“The Promise is a must read for those experiencing life’s difficult trials. Clearly, Father Jonathan is fast establishing himself as one of the most respected religious figures of our times.” -Chris Wyatt, Founder and CEO of GodTube